scholarly journals Development of a Low-Friction Radial Shaft Seal: Using CFD Simulations to Optimise the Microstructured Sealing Lip

Lubricants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Dennis Keller ◽  
Georg Jacobs ◽  
Stephan Neumann

The sealing of shaft interfaces in machine housings against oil leakage is commonly realized by radial shaft seals, hence they are used millions of times in technical systems. However, with increasing speed they cause significant friction losses, which reduce the efficiency of the system significantly. In addition, the prevailing trend towards higher speed levels in electrified drive trains is already pushing sealing technology to its performance limits. Therefore, friction reduction offers a chance to extend the current performance limits and increase efficiency within existing applications. In this paper, a methodology for friction reduction is proposed, which is based on microstructuring and surface treatment of the seal sliding surface. Since experimental structural design is linked to high costs and time, a simulation-based method is proposed. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations are performed to analyze the influence of the structural geometry on local fluid flow. It is shown that for increasing sliding speeds, the analysis and the subsequent optimization of deterministic microstructures require the numerical solution of the complete Navier–Stokes equation in order to take inertial effects into account. Based on these results, an optimal geometric shape for the microstructure is found depending on the operating conditions.

2014 ◽  
Vol 554 ◽  
pp. 696-700 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nur Farhana Mohamad Kasim ◽  
Sheikh Ahmad Zaki ◽  
Mohamed Sukri Mat Ali ◽  
Ahmad Faiz Mohammad ◽  
Azli Abd Razak

Wind-induced ventilation is widely acknowledged as one of the best approaches for inducing natural ventilation. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique is gaining popularity among researchers as an alternative for experimental methods to investigate the behavior of wind-driven ventilation in building. In this present paper, Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equation (RANS) k-ε model approach is considered to simulate the airflow on a simplified cubic building with an opening on a single façade. Preliminary simulation using models from previous experiment indicates the reliability of OpenFOAM, the open source software that will be used in this study. The results obtained in this study will better define options for our future study which aims to explore how different buildings arrays modify the airflow inside and around a naturally ventilated building.


Author(s):  
A. Kumar ◽  
P. B. Nair ◽  
A. J. Keane ◽  
S. Shahpar

This paper presents a probabilistic analysis of the effect of erosion on the performance of compressor fan blades. A realistic parametric CAD model is developed to represent eroded blades. Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques are employed to generate a set of candidate points, which are combined with a parametric geometry modeling and grid generation routine to produce a hybrid mesh. A multigrid Reynolds-Averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) solver HYDRA with Spalart Allmaras turbulence model is used for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations. The data generated is used to create a surrogate model for efficient uncertainty propagation. This method is applied to a typical Rolls Royce compressor fan blade section. Monte Carlo Simulation, using the surrogate model, is executed for the probabilistic analysis of the compressor fan blade. Results show upto 5% increase in pressure loss for the eroded compressor fan blades.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (04) ◽  
pp. 259-270
Author(s):  
Ahmet Ziya Saydam ◽  
Serhan Gokcay ◽  
Mustafa Insel

Air wake distribution around the superstructure of a mega-yacht is a key concern for the designer because of various reasons such as comfort expectations in recreational deck areas, self-noise generation, air pollution and temperature gradients due to exhaust interactions, and safety of helicopter operations such as landing/take off and hovering. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) technique in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is frequently used in studies on mega-yacht hydrodynamics and aerodynamics with satisfactory results. In this article, a case study is presented for the utilization of CFD in a mega-yacht's superstructure design. The flow field in recreational open areas has been analyzed for the increase in velocity due to the existence of the superstructure. A reduction in self-noise of the mast structure has been aimed by reducing flow separation and vorticity. Time-dependent velocity data obtained with scale-resolving simulations are presented for the evaluation of helicopter landings. The capabilities and limitations of the RANS technique are discussed along with recent developments in modeling approaches.


Author(s):  
Merouane Habib ◽  
Senouci Mohammed

In this paper, we investigate the no-reacting swirling flow by using the numerical simulation based to the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes approach. The numerical simulation was realized by using a computational fluid dynamics CFD code. The governing equations are solved by using the finite volume method with two classical models of turbulence K-epsilon and Shear Stress K-ω. The objective of this paper is therefore to evaluate the performance of the two models in predicting the recirculation zones in a swirled turbulent flow. The current models are validated by comparing the numerical results of the axial, radial and tangential velocities to the experimental data from literature.


2015 ◽  
Vol 157 (B2) ◽  
Author(s):  
M Ferrando ◽  
S Gaggero ◽  
D Villa

In recent years, the application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods experienced an exponential growth: the increase of the computational performances and the generalization of the Navier-Stokes equation to more complex physical problems made possible the solution of complex problems like free surfaces flows. The physical complexity of planing hulls flows poses some issues in the ability to numerically predict the global hydrodynamic parameters (hull resistance, dynamic attitude) of these configurations and on the expected confidence on the numerical results. In the last decade, commercial RANS software have been successfully applied for the prediction of the planing hull characteristics with reasonable correlation to the available experimental measurements. Recently, moreover, the interest in Open Source approaches, also for the solution of engineering problems, has rapidly grow. In this work, a set of calculations on a systematic series standard hull shape has been carried out, adopting from pre- to post- processing only Open Source tools. The comparison and the validation, through the available experimental measurements, of the computed results will define an optimal simulation strategy to include this kind of tools in the usual design loop.


Author(s):  
James L Spedding ◽  
Mark Ho ◽  
Weijian Lu

Abstract The Open Pool Australian Light-water (OPAL) reactor Cold Neutron Source (CNS) is a 20 L liquid deuterium thermosiphon system which has performed consistently but will require replacement in the future. The CNS deuterium exploits neutronic heating to passively drive the thermosiphon loop and is cryogenically cooled by forced convective helium flow via a heat exchanger. In this study, a detailed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the complete thermosiphon system was developed for simulation. Unlike previous studies, the simulation employed a novel polyhedral mesh technique. Results demonstrated that the polyhedral technique reduced simulation computational requirements and convergence time by an order of magnitude while predicting thermosiphon performance to within 1% accuracy when compared with prototype experiments. The simulation model was extrapolated to OPAL operating conditions and confirmed the versatility of the CFD model as an engineering design and preventative maintenance tool. Finally, simulations were performed on a proposed second-generation CNS design that increases the CNS moderator deuterium volume by 5 L, and results confirmed that the geometry maintains the thermosiphon deuterium in the liquid state and satisfies the CNS design criteria.


1991 ◽  
Vol 113 (2) ◽  
pp. 241-250 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hah ◽  
A. J. Wennerstrom

The concept of swept blades for a transonic or supersonic compressor was reconsidered by Wennerstrom in the early 1980s. Several transonic rotors designed with swept blades have shown very good aerodynamic efficiency. The improved performance of the rotor is believed to be due to reduced shock strength near the shroud and better distribution of secondary flows. A three-dimensional flowfield inside a transonic rotor with swept blades is analyzed in detail experimentally and numerically. A Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equation is solved for the flow inside the rotor. The numerical solution is based on a high-order upwinding relaxation scheme, and a two-equation turbulence model with a low Reynolds number modification is used for the turbulence modeling. To predict flows near the shroud properly, the tip-clearance flow also must be properly calculated. The numerical results at three different operating conditions agree well with the available experimental data and reveal various interesting aspects of shock structure inside the rotor.


Processes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (8) ◽  
pp. 932
Author(s):  
Timothy A. G. Langrish ◽  
James Harrington ◽  
Xing Huang ◽  
Chao Zhong

A new spray-drying system has been designed to overcome the limitations caused by existing designs. A key feature of the approach has been the systematic use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to guide innovation in the design process. An example of an innovation is the development of a box-shaped transitional feature between the bottom of the main drying chamber and the entrance to the secondary chamber. In physical experiments, the box design performed better in all three representative operating conditions, including the current conditions, a higher feed solids concentration (30% solids rather than 8.8%), and a higher inlet drying temperature (230 °C rather than 170 °C). The current conditions showed a 3% increase in yield (solids recovery) while the 30% feed condition improved the yield by 7.5%, and the higher temperature test increased the yield by 13.5%. Statistical analysis showed that there were significant reductions in the wall flux at the high solids feed concentration. The observed deposition in the box was primarily from the predicted particle impacts by an inertial deposition process on the base of the box, which underwent little degradation due to lower temperatures. There is therefore evidence that the box design is a better design alternative under all operating conditions compared with other traditional designs.


Author(s):  
C. Hah ◽  
A. J. Wennerstrom

The concept of swept blades for a transonic or supersonic compressor was reconsidered by Wennerstrom in the early 1980s. Several transonic rotors designed with swept blades have shown very good aerodynamic efficiency. The improved performance of the rotor is believed to be due to reduced shock strength near the shroud and better distribution of secondary flows. A three-dimensional flowfield inside a transonic rotor with swept blades is analyzed in detail experimentally and numerically. A Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equation is solved for the flow inside the rotor. The numerical solution is based on a high-order upwinding relaxation scheme, and a two-equation turbulence model with a low Reynolds number modification is used for the turbulence modeling. To properly predict flows near the shroud, the tip-clearance flow also must be properly calculated. The numerical results at three different operating conditions agree well with the available experimental data and reveal various interesting aspects of shock structure inside the rotor.


2013 ◽  
Vol 465-466 ◽  
pp. 552-556
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ammar Nik Mutasim ◽  
Nurul Suraya Azahari ◽  
Ahmad Alif Ahmad Adam

Energy is one of the most important sources in the world especially for developing countries. The subject study is conducted to predict the behaviour of particle due to errosion from the river through the achimedes screw runner and predict the impact of particle toward blade surface. For this reason, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods are used. The three-dimensional flow of fluid is numerically analyzed using the Navier-Stokes equation with standard k-ε turbulence model. The reinverse design of archimedes screw blade was refered with the previous researcher. Flow prediction with numerical results such as velocity streamlines, flow pattern and pressure contour for flow of water entering the blade are discussed. This study shows that the prediction of particle impact occurs mostly on the entering surface blade and along the leading edge of the screw runner. Any modification on the design of the screw runner blade can be analyze for further study.


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